HOW ROBOTS ARE TRANSFORMING KENYA

Kenya has emerged as a key player in Africa’s technological advancement, with the adoption of robotics  playing a growing role across various sectors. From healthcare to agriculture and security, robots are gradually being integrated into everyday operations, providing efficient solutions to long-standing challenges.

Kenyan tech innovators have been working on local robotic solutions, including automated sanitization and contactless service delivery in clinics and public spaces.

Kenyan institutions are increasingly adopting robotics in the field of security. Robotic surveillance systems, including drones and mobile robots are being used in shopping malls, airports and government buildings to monitor activities, identify threats and alert human operators. These robots can operate around the clock, minimizing the need for extensive human patrols and increasing area coverage.

Robots have also made their way into Kenya’s hospitality sector. A few high-end hotels and modern restaurants, especially in major urban centres like Nairobi and Mombasa, have started using robotic waiters to serve food and interact with guests. These robots are programmed to navigate through dining spaces, deliver orders to specific tables and even engage in light conversation or greetings in English or Swahili.

Advancement in artificial intelligence have enabled some robots to stimulate emotional responses. These emotionally responsive robots are programmed to recognize human facial expressions, tone of voice and gestures allowing them to respond in ways that mimic empathy, friendliness or concern. In Kenya and beyond, such robots are being explored for use in education, customer service and elder care, where emotianal interaction can enhance user experience.

Agriculture is beginning to benefit from robotics. Robotic technologies are being used to monitor crop health, spray fertilizers and collect data on soil and weather conditions. Drones, an aerial form of robotic technology are commonly used for mapping farms, distributing inputs and ensuring precision agriculture.

Despite the promising growth of robotics in Kenya, there are notable challenges. High costs of robotic systems, limited local manufacturing capacity and a shortage of skilled professionals are barrier to widespread adoption.

From hospitals and farms to restaurants and security firms, Kenya’s journey with robotics reflects a broader commitment to using technology to improve lives. With the right support and policies, this trend is set to transform the nation’s economic and social landscape in the years to come.

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BY: FALARY MUTETHYA

John

The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.